Bovine lactoferrin improves bone status of ovariectomized mice via immune function modulation

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Bone Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Estrogen deficiency, common in postmenopausal women, is linked to bone loss and immune system deregulation.
• Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) is known to influence bone metabolism and modulate both innate and adaptive immunity.
• bLF's potential to counteract estrogen deficiency-induced immune changes, particularly in T cells, warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of bLF on immune function in ovariectomized mice.
• To investigate if bLF ingestion can prevent bone loss by modulating immune responses.
• To explore the impact of bLF on immune cell populations and cytokine profiles in the bone micro-environment.

Main Methods:

• Ovariectomized and sham-operated mice were fed control or bLF-enriched diets for 1, 2, or 4 months.
• Bone mineral density was assessed using densitometry.
• Immune parameters, including cell populations and T cell activation, were analyzed by flow cytometry, Real-Time PCR for TNFα, and plasma cytokine measurements.

Main Results:

• Ovariectomy led to bone changes and increased immune cell recruitment (macrophages, dendritic cells, B and T cells) with T cell activation.
• bLF supplementation for 2 months prevented T cell activation and normalized dendritic and B cell populations in ovariectomized mice.
• bLF decreased TNFα expression in bone and plasma, and increased plasma IL-10 levels.

Conclusions:

• bLF supplementation can prevent lymphocyte activation and modulate cytokine release within the bone micro-environment.
• Dietary bLF may offer a beneficial strategy for mitigating postmenopausal bone loss through immune system modulation.
• These findings highlight the interplay between immunity and bone health, with bLF as a potential therapeutic agent.